210 STABLES. 



(the dark-coloured and irregularly-shaped bodies that project 

 more or less over the pupil of the eye), are specially adapted 

 to enable the eyes to bear strong sunlight with impunity. 

 The corpora nigra are portions of the iris, in which the 

 pupil forms an opening. 



It is an advantage to have the stable lighted, though dimly, 

 at night, so that in case of alarm or necessity, the owner or 

 groom may be able to see his way about the place, without 

 having to delay in getting a light. We may be quite sure that 

 the presence of the light can in no way disturb the horses ; 

 for when these animals are turned out, they get all the sleep 

 they need ; although, even on moonless and starless nights, 

 there is as much light, if not more, than there would be in a 

 stable when the gas or lamps were turned low down. Besides, 

 the fact that many horses which kick or are otherwise restless 

 when in a dark stable at night, will remain quiet if the place is 

 somewhat lighted up, seems to show that horses do not like 

 darkness, which in any case is an unnatural condition for 

 them. 



Precautions against fire are even more necessary in stables 

 than in ordinary houses. In some luxurious stables each box 

 is furnished with an electric burner. 



FLOORS FOR STABLES. 



The whole of the ground surface included between the 

 foundations of the outer walls, should be laid down with 

 a material which is thoroughly damp-proof, so as to keep 

 the building dry, and which will afford an immovable bearing 

 for the weight that is to be placed on it. A floor should be 

 durable, waterproof, free from slipperiness, and fairly cheap. 

 It would greatly conduce to the welfare of the horses' feet, if 

 the material of the floor was a bad conductor of heat ; but this 

 is a condition which is usually unattainable in conjunction 



